Joyce Thomas, a retired British nurse aged 78, has been ordered to leave Sweden despite residing there for over two decades. Swedish authorities rejected her post-Brexit residency application, determining that it was submitted late and that she failed to demonstrate adequate grounds for the delayed filing.
Thomas relocated to Sweden with her late husband decades ago and has remained there since his death in 2023. Following her husband’s passing, she moved to a smaller residence near her son and grandchildren and her husband’s grave. She received notice requiring her departure in November, prompting her to pursue legal action with pro bono representation to challenge the deportation order. Thomas expressed distress about the situation, stating she has no criminal record and has maintained herself financially throughout her residency.
Her case represents part of a broader pattern involving approximately 2,500 British nationals ordered to leave Sweden since Brexit. According to official data, Sweden has issued one-third of all removal orders against British citizens across the entire EU bloc, holding the distinction of having the highest deportation rate of any member state. Swedish authorities have also previously moved to deport other British residents, including a woman with dementia in a care facility.
Comparative statistics reveal significant discrepancies in how different EU nations handle similar cases. Sweden’s refusal rate for post-Brexit residency applications stands at approximately 27.5%, roughly three times higher than other member states and substantially above the EU average of 3 to 4 percent. Bulgaria and Belgium, which processed comparable numbers of applications, approved the vast majority of cases.
British officials and lawmakers have expressed concern about Sweden’s approach. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office stated it regularly raises the matter with Swedish authorities and the European Commission. Member of Parliament Peter Kyle characterized the situation as deeply concerning and urged Swedish authorities to consider humanitarian factors in Thomas’s case. Swedish immigration officials responded by noting that while late applications may be permitted under exceptional circumstances, applicants must provide written justification beyond claiming ignorance of the requirement.
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